1857.] Sexuality of Plants — Fecimdation, Hyhridization. 343 



of fruit by the pollen of another, we shall obtain a new variety pat' 

 taking intermediately of the qualities of both parents. Thus among 

 fruits we have Coe's Golden Drop Plum originating from the Green 

 Gage, impregnated by the Magnum Bonum, or egg plum ; and the 

 Elton Cherry, from the Bigarrieu, impregnated by the "White Heart. 

 Thus we derive the conclusion, that if one species be fertilized by 

 the pollen of another species, which may take place in the same 

 germs ; or if two distinct varieties of the same species be in like 

 manner intermixed, the seeds which result from the operation will 

 be intermediate between its parents, partaking of the qualities of 

 both. In the first case, the progeny is literally hybrid or mule, iu 

 the second it is simply crossed. By the latter process seed, and 

 consequently plants, may be improved ; by the former sterility 

 is often the result, or incapacity of yielding seed. Yet it is not set- 

 tled in the vegetable, as in the animal kingdom, that all hybrids are 

 absolutely sterile. 



This power of improving varieties by crossing, is now very largely 

 resorted to by gardeners throughout Europe, and to some extent 

 in this country, though but little known to the mass of cultivators. 

 Not only is this the case in fruit trees but in ornamental trees, 

 shrubs and plants, and especially in florist's flowers it has been 

 carried to a great length. The great number of new and beautiful 

 Roses, Azaleas and Camellias, so splendid in color and perfect in 

 form, owe their origin to careful crossing. 



In the amelioration, and fertilizing of our fruits, it must prove by 

 far the most certain and satisfactory process, and we hope it may be 

 extended with scientific skill and attention to our grains, vegetables, 

 etc. Thus if we have a very early and insipid sort of pear, and 

 desire to raise from it a variety, both early and of fine flavor, we 

 should fertilize some of its pistils, with the pollen of the best fla- 

 vored variety, of a little later maturity. So of large and small, of 

 sweet and sour, and thus by directing nature with the hand of science 

 we can improve, for we have improved her operations — rendering her 

 less promiscuous and more certain in her results. We are aware 

 that we have not exhausted this most interesting subject ; yet we are 

 also fully aware that many a farmer will say : " what care I for these 

 processes of nature, provided I can secure my hundred bushels of 

 corn to the acre and get for it my 80 cts. per bushel." True, this is 

 the main motive with most farmers, yet there is now and then one 

 that feels his head was given him for something else beside the making 



